Refresh. Regrow. Renew.

What do you mean the conductor isn't here yet? Ride Train, Now!

I will not be moved off this train, woman! Now get the freaking conductor! This next set of pictures are all part of my NB ritual whether or not the children are with me. There is something therapeutic in letting the ducks and squirrels eat out of my hand.

momma and her babies

The Battle of the Bread The Great Goose Victory Cry

These two geese started some sort of honking dance routine that was very entertaining
Still Dancing
Finale

This tree is called the Founder's Oak and its life began roughly around 1700. According the the lovely plaque, Central Texas Indians would weigh down branches of these oaks to tell others which way they are traveling and this tree could be seen as evidence of that fact.

I love this tree because it was the best climbing tree ever. There is no better feeling than sitting up in that tree and watching time slowly pass and then seeing how high you can jump without breaking something. After I moved, they put up a gate and a lovely rock wall to protect the tree. I am glad they did because it is worth preserving but I sure miss those days of sitting in its branches.

Comal Springs first surfaces in Landa park so the water is crystal clear and is the source of the Comal river. I used to swim in this part of the springs as a kids and to hide under that bridge in the distance. Good Times.

Guadalupe River by Gruene Bridge

This is another favorite spot of mine. My sisters and I love to sit in the rocks by the rapids just for the peaceful nature of the water. Of course, watching the tourists wipe out on those rapids was also quite fun and the source of much entertainment. There is a picture of my mother in the water and while this may not be of much significance to others it is another reminder of how being a grandmother has changed her. She is deathly afraid of water and here she is standing in it just for the sake of her grandchildren. Woo Hoo for my mom!

Aunt E.J. and the Chickens

My sister married a lawyer who also runs a chicken farm. This trip they let the kids go into the chicken coup and pick fresh eggs to take with us. It was too short of a visit but memorable.

momma and her babies

The glorious life of a pig in the mud being hosed down by my nephew.

Aunt Margaret with Great Potential

Margaret is my husband's sister but I feel as though she is my sister. I have always loved Margaret and now I love her new boyfriend. I told them both that 'he had me at hello' and he lovingly said 'that's pretty cheesy'. I knew then that he could handle her crazy family. Rick you are a winner in my book!

The New Braunfels Smokehouse

This is the end in many ways. Water, Ducks, Squirrels, Trains, Hotels, Trip but the deepest cut of all - The end of the New Braunfels Smokehouse. This restaurant is a great German tradition and next week not only are they closing its doors for good but they are also tearing it down. I suppose its fitting that this was our last stop before heading home. I love this restaurant for its uniqueness, its chicken and dumplings, its bread pudding, its country store and its outside dining with music on the weekends. But with the addition of Chile's, Applebee's, Olive Garden and other chains taking over the beauty of the town, the Smokehouse just couldn't keep up. They are moving back to a small store with a limited menu just like when they first started out in the 30's. I will miss it but I'm glad that I got to eat there one more time.

A Very Good Place to Eat!The Stein Room which used to be filled with German Steins.The barren walls used to be filled with country store merchandise.
lets not forget the unique candy
The Deli Section

The outside pavilion where the music used to play.

This ends the photo journey of our trip to NB. While I am sad about the Smokehouse, I am glad that they will still be open somewhere in town. Auf Wiedersehen, Smokehouse. See you soon, NB.